I'll be up in Michigan this summer, and I really want to hike there (I've only done parts of the AT- never Michigan, or really anywhere else). I'm a fairly experienced hiker, and I may go alone, but I might bring my twelve year old brother. So a pretty easy section of trail would be great. (Preferably near a sandy area at some point, maybe even sand dunes or a small sandy beach on a lake) I love Michigan, and I really want my little brother to like hiking, sooo... Any suggestions?

Also, what do I need to know about this trail in general? Is it well blazed? Are there good tent sites? (I will get maps and a guidebook too, of course) Thanks,
The ShelterLeopard

Google the high country pathway. You can do sections pretty easy. I took my 14 year old nephew a couple of years ago. we done the whole thing. it was great.

Clyde

Try the Lake Shore Trail it goes between Gran Marais and Munnising about 40 miles. You could hike the eastern half very flat with a couple good beaches on the way a shuttle service is available for a fee. I hiked it last year saw plenty of wildlife check the link, pm me if you have more Q's. If you want something more rugged try the "Porkies" or Isle Royale.

http://www.nps.gov/piro

where's a sheepdog when you need them.......:)

The only trail of 2-3 days in southeast Michigan is the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail (http://www.waterloopinckneytrail.org/) at 37 miles. Ideally you'll get up to the Upper Peninsula to hike in the Porcupine Mountains or along Pictured Rocks. If not, then your next best bet might be Manistee River Trail/NCT 21-mile Loop (http://www.tripleblaze.com/3/322/Hiking-Trails/North-Country-Trail-Manistee-River-Trail-Loop.html).

Could you do without a trail and just beach hike?

If you really want sand dunes I would suggest either the Nordhouse Dunes or the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (National Park). South Manitou and North Manitou Islands are both nice hiking. They are about 7 miles out in Lake Michigan, part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes. Ferry out of Leland.

You could also start in Ludington State Park and hike north along the beach into Nordhouse Dunes (National Forest Wilderness Area) and then keep going north into the Lake Michigan Recreation Area (also National Forest). All the way you can either walk the beach or go inland a ways and hike trails up and down over the dunes.

If you just want a sandy trail to hike the North Country Trail through the Manistee National Forest is mostly a sand trail. Mostly rather flat and easy with northerly sections more hilly.

Slosteppin

I do love Sleeping Bear Dunes, but I really want to hike trail- if need be, we could forgo the beach. (But when I hiked the hundred mile wilderness, I happened on a sandy beach that I did not expect, and it was heaven)

I do love Sleeping Bear Dunes, but I really want to hike trail- if need be, we could forgo the beach. (But when I hiked the hundred mile wilderness, I happened on a sandy beach that I did not expect, and it was heaven)

Then I would have two suggestions, both on the North Country Trail.

Hike a section of the NCT east of Traverse City so you camp at Sand Lakes Quiet Area. I've seen people swimming in two of the lakes. I might be there tomorrow night.

You said 2 or 3 days - I do the NCT/Manistee River Trail in two days. Start at Red Bridge, the south end of the loop, hike north on the NCT and camp at Eddington Creek. Then instead of taking the connector trail, continue north on the NCT around the west/north side of Hodenpyl Dam backwaters. You will see some nice places to swim. You will go through the Northern Enhancement Campground. There are two separated campsites for backpackers. Then go back to the connector trail and over to the MRT and south back to Red Bridge. Instead of camping along the backwaters you could go just far enough to find a place to swim and then reverse and go over to the MRT. In the Manistee National Forest you can camp nearly anywhere. North of the Hodenpyl Dam it is Consumers Energy property and camping is only allowed at designated sites.

Slosteppin

where's a sheepdog when you need them.......:)

Yes, where is that shaggy furball?
I bet if you act like a Willey coyote he'll show up.
Are you still thinking Isle Royale dog, anyone else? I've got the Crown.

For the OP: the Porcupine Mountains State Park, Isle Royale National Park, and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, along with the North Country National Scenic Trail all fit your criteria, as well as most of the other suggestions here. It all depends on how far you want to drive, if your schedule is flexible, and the arrangements needed for transportation.

Pictured Rocks[42 miles of NCT] http://www.nps.gov/piro/ (http://www.nps.gov/piro/) has a reservation required shuttle http://www.altranbus.com/backpack.html service[$20] from Munising[10a] to Grand Sable visitors center[1130a] on three days of the week[Mon, Thur, Sat], go to their respective web sites to get further info.

You could also check out the NCTA site: http://www.northcountrytrail.org (http://www.northcountrytrail.org)

Good luck with your plans, let us know how they turn out.:sun

Thanks everyone- this is all awesome! I can't wait to go hike in Michigan!